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Hey, Jamal!
Jamal, are you awake?
Jamal! I know you can hear me, kid.
Jamal, I wrote all this.
I understand that with your teacher and I work late.
So you have to take care of yourself for dinner, okay?
OK?
Good.
Hey, I think you want to wake up at 7:30.
- Play the ball. - Ball!
- Do you want to change something? - Check that.
Turn the ball, baby Stop crying.
Hold. What happened, J? Where are you, man
- What's wrong? - Sleep, yo.
- Hey, what's up, man? - wondering how to save your ass - what are you saving - Hey, Damon
Let's go.
J, break him up, man
Take the ball, man, okay?
- Oh, he broke your ankle, man! - yes!
You can't give that.
- You can't give that. - I wake up.
Come on, yo.
- Do you have anything for me? - What did you get?
Souffle, baby!
Where is D?
I have nothing for me, man.
Many good ones do.
- This is something for Window. - Have you seen him?
- Window? - yes.
No. But he saw us, man.
Come on, what's wrong with you? Do you want to play football?
- Okay baby. - Get up.
- You have to help me out, man. - Beat it!
Hip-hop, man.
In 1845, Poe wrote the most famous part, "The Raven"...
... a poem he wrote while hanging on to coke and obsessed with death.
"The Raven" is like a football team.
There are teams obsessed with death. Always get their ass kicked.
Baltimore Ravens, the only pro football team named after classical poetry.
Whoever reads it?
"Once midnight is gloomy
While I'm pondering, it's weak and tired..."
Jamal, how about that?
No, I never read it.
Okay, I need those essays by next Tuesday.
Yo, man, my dad saw Window, man.
About 20 years ago.
Just like ghosts, like those in our science books.
- Like that. - So, what, is he white?
Isn't milk white?
- Ever seen a ghost that isn't white? - just playing.
I heard he killed someone. That's why he stays inside.
You have to kill the army to hide here.
- Right. - You play too much.
Remember Shurrita?
He used to live under the Window?
He calls me one night, bugging, dog. Disturb.
Said he heard this pressing from above by Place Window.
Tap...
... faucet...
... tap.
While he's on the phone, he starts shouting, dog.
Because now tapping makes its way down the stairs somehow.
Tap...
... tap, tap. - Listen to him, cheat.
And now it's on the other side of the door, dog.
He knows there are several types of knives he presses with.
Before he could even close, the telephone was cut off.
- That was the last time we saw it. - Shurrita from across the street?
Come on, yo. You know that girl is crack ho.
No, no, he's good.
Listen, man, all I know is that bad news is The Window.
That rule, you go outside, you live far away from The Window.
- No, stay away from your lying buttocks. - Yo, J, you trust me, right?
You are full of bullshit, dog.
Cursing.
So let me guess. So you will go there, right?
This old man looks out the window, man.
- Will you leave? - He won't leave.
- So you will go there? - Let them know, J.
- He won't leave. - This is scared.
Yo, I got the next call.
- So? - So...
I dare you to go there, right?
Right? Right?
- Whatever, man. I will go there. - yes.
- He will. - Big opportunity. Superman.
- Bring it, child. - That's my dog.
You feel me.
D, I trust you, dog.
Man, shut up. Go to class or something.
Here, man, sit here, son.
Are you kidding me? Stop playing with me.
- This is a dynamic thing. Go there. - Well.
Here, take your apple too.
- Mrs. Joyce? - yes. Hi.
Nice to see you. Have a seat here.
Thank you.
Good.
We got the Jamal exam again this week.
- Test scores? - Assessment test.
The state education department requires all children to take them.
He didn't tell you?
Mrs. Wallace, Jamal maintains average C.
Which means he is not only enough to get by without standing.
Now, what makes the Jamal case unusual is the result of the test.
God.
I see him reading all these books all the time.
A book I have read. Some I've never even heard of.
And he always writes in his notebook.
Since his father left.
But that's what I see.
All he ever talked about was basketball.
Basketball is where he got his acceptance.
Children don't care about what they put on paper.
Let's go! Between the yellow lines! Let's go!
Yo, T.
What's more, Fly?
- How are you? - keep up.
See see. Are you looking for a ticket, bro?
tonight is dead
Sorry about that.
Come on. We know you got a ticket.
I have four words for you: Bos-ton Red Sox. All right
Yanks and Sox tickets, they have been sold for almost a month.
Alright, flying sir?
And by the way, why don't you go on the Camry kid there...
... that he has to back up a little cheap-bumper...
... in the Mercedes there.
Go away Let's go, Fly! Let's go!
What is it, Jamal? Moms is called.
Tell me about the test. What's with that?
- Nothing, man. - What do you mean, nothing?
Is this on the path of your plan?
Remember, that is your first plan, T.
Yes I know. A small college ball and all.
Then start signing checks, solving other people's problems.
Look at me, though.
Whoa, hold on for a while.
Wait for this.
I think this is our plan now.
- One thing. - What happened?
Don't say anything about their test scores.
Don't worry, I'm your brother, dog.
Whatever I am and you talk about, stay between me and you.
- Right. - Love you, dog. OK?
Make sure you keep one thing in mind:
Moms know when the game ends, so take your butt straight home.
- OK. - Don't get into trouble.
Be careful. Stay safe, okay?
- Love, dog. - Alright, T. Handsome.
All right, Jamal. Watch Out.
Smells here.
J, did you see that window?
He keeps the one cracking sometimes.
Yo, the light has been out for two hours, dog.
Are you sure he fell asleep?
That this Methuselah is as old as a thousand years. That's all they have ever done.
Yo, J, man. For real, child, I don't know about this.
- I know. - I think I'm... Oh, damn it!
I think I'll pull the call, yo.
- No, yo, I have this one. - Rat.
Alright. Yo, Fly.
Save it. You have to bring something.
Yo, man, you hear us, drop down, okay?
Alright.
Don't stay there too long.
Got you.
Damn, this thing is rickety.
Lucy Chapman around?
the last bench at the end.
Lucy Chapman?
- Yes. - I'm Bannion, Murder.
With this band playing, you need a megaphone to talk at the bar.
- We can sit in a booth. - OK.
- Yo, look, look! - Oh, damn it!
- Yo, yo, have something? - Oh, damn it!
- Yo, what happened? - You son of a bitch!
Dickheads, he doesn't fall asleep.
- Yo, do you see it? - No, not for long, yo.
Jamal, will you stop bouncing fucking balls at home?
I have the name Michael Jordan written in dirt all over the floor.
Don't worry, I'll clean it.
I got a better chance than Michael Jordan to clean it.
If you think of taking a shower, hot water takes a few minutes.
- I don't think about it. - Hey! Hey, where is your package?
- I don't know. - Do not know?
What do you mean, you don't know?
We want you to bring something, not leave something.
Leave this one alone, man.
What's in your bag?
I'm not talking about fucking bags.
Bet you don't, man.
Let me teach you something. Now watch the eyes.
He might watch you now.
Stop. Stop. See?
You don't know about that, man.
Here's how you do it.
I won't do anything for your car, man.
I'm sorry?
You look worried, like I'm going to do something.
No, I'm worried about this car everywhere, not just here.
- Don't take offense. - This is just a car.
No, it's not just a car. This is a BMW.
Those who know nothing about companies that...
... know that it's more than just a car.
Oh, those who know. So I won't know anything like that, right?
No, that's not what I meant.
The last thing I know about BMW...
... is, they made aircraft engines when they first started.
A man by the name of Franz Popp started everything.
Franz Popp. I like that name.
Making this one machine before 1920.
It's flying six miles.
Well, Popp and his men just started, man.
Making this one machine, 801, World War II...
... 14 cylinders, 2300 horsepower, seven miles.
With more time, they will be bombed with shit out of England...
... and maybe even win the war.
That's where this comes from.
White propellers zipping around the blue sky.
After the war, they can't make airplane engines anymore.
And that's when BMW gave some serious thoughts on making a car.
Types like this.
But you might know all that, because you are.
Thank you for the history lesson.
It doesn't matter, man
Playing with my things, man.
Hey...
That night...
It's just this thing, my children and I do.
Well, I wonder maybe I can take you some more than my stuff...
... or maybe I can write something else.
What are the 5000 words on why you will just leave my house ?!
Come on, I know you're there.
Take your fucking hand from the door!
I just came to drop off the thing you asked me to.
What thing?
The 5000 words on why you want me to stay out of your place.
That's like the way you say it.
Now, try exactly what I said.
Come in, Jamal.
Hi dear
No problem.
Sit down.
Mrs. Wallace, Jamal. When we got your exam scores recently...
... we thought there might be some interest from a private school.
Now, it turns out we are right.
Bradley.
Jamal, Mrs. Wallace, my name is David Bradley.
I'm with the School of Mailor in Manhattan.
- Mailor-Callow newspaper? - Right. You are familiar with us Yes.
Jamal, Mailor-Callow is not only the best prep school in town...
... This is one of the best private schools in the East.
Only the best go there.
You might know we have entered our fall several weeks...
... but every year we hold several openings...
... while we wait for the value of the entrance exam
Jamal, your test score...
... To put it mildly, attract our attention.
I am here to see if you are interested in attending our school.
Jamal, we know to go to another school...
... especially private schools, it won't be easy.
But this is not the right place for you anymore.
Jamal, it's not a difficult choice.
Mr. Bradley...
... there's no way we can pay this.
We don't ask you to do it.
When Dr. Simon said, "Only the best goes to Mailor"...
... he forgot to mention...
... that our superiority goes beyond class.
I think that.
We think you might.
Mrs. Wallace, about 40 of our students have gone to play basketball.
Three have reached the professional level.
We evaluated your game last year.
Although this is really an academic offer...
... we will not be disappointed if we choose to play.
All we ask is to get out a few days, look, think.
- OK. - Mrs. Wallace.
- Thank you. - Jamal
Goodbye.
We will contact.
- I didn't knock this time, man. - Who are you talking to I will tell you that when I got 5,000 words I returned.
Door bolts...
... if you enter
Man in the car?
He is from this private school.
They want me to go there.
We don't need to pay anything.
We live a few blocks away, me and my mother.
Well, my sister was a few years ago...
... but he left after my father left.
My mother is bored waiting for my father to clean himself.
And my dad is tired of trying.
But that's when I started writing.
What's your name?
Jamal Wallace.
It sounds like some kind of orange jam.
How old are you?
I am 16
Sixteen!
And you are black!
- Amazing - What amazing?
Is it amazing if I'm black?
What should I do with anything, man?
You don't know what to do now, right?
If you say what you really want to say...
... I might not read more than this.
But if you let me run you with this racist crap...
... what made you
I don't play this game, man.
Oh, I said you were playing it.
An expression is worth a thousand words.
But maybe in your case only two.
Here.
What a jerk.
One hand gives, one hand to receive. As we eat together in unity...
... hopefully our mind, body and spirit will grow strong...
... and congratulations to Jamal.
Amen.
- Amen - Amen
Do you see this?
- Let me see. - Don't mess it up.
Wait a minute.
This cover looks like a cute school to me.
Terrell, eat your food You will be fine, big bro, because Mother made nothing but the army.
You can do the same thing.
I work in a parking lot. And I'm not an ordinary parking attendant.
I am the supervisor of all parking officers.
You don't know how much you will make from week to week.
One week is $ 50, one week is $ 100.
- It's not a real job. - Leave him alone.
Ma, look, I'm rap, I'm busy. You know I got my rap item.
Don't make rap. Eat your food.
- You don't want to hear my song? - eat
I'll sing it for you now.
When I come and I blow it
Your child is a supervisor of a parking lot
Tell him, Jamal. My choice is hot right?
Jamal Wallace?
Hi, I'm Claire Spence.
Bradley asked me to show you.
Alright.
Come on.
Don't worry about answering questions or anything.
Not until you decide what you will do.
Besides that, the teachers are here...
... not all of that becomes student participation.
They are busy listening to themselves talking.
- What do you mean? - You will see.
This morning we begin reading the third needed from the semester...
... study of novels that offer everything...
... and a writer who can be offered far more.
That's Robert Crawford.
It's here for most buildings.
When William Forrester was 23, in 1953...
... he left to write his first book.
Many writers aspire to talk about writing great 20th century novels...
... well, William Forrester did it.
In the first try.
Are you reading this?
Yes you?
Only about a dozen times.
This is the only one he chose to publish.
For all we know it is the only one he chooses to write.
your work during the next week...
Your job during the next week is to read it and tell me why.
I see...
... you'll come back tomorrow?
Yes, they want me to spend time in court.
Yes, I heard.
Graduation was rather rude to the team last year, that's all.
But it was like college, right?
You get an education, and they get what they want.
Maybe you both get what you want.
Yes, probably.
Nice to meet you, Jamal.
You too, Claire. You will be around tomorrow It's not where you are going...
... but you might be able to find me for lunch.
I didn't say those two words.
Why not
Because I want you to read more of my things.
You know, they talk a lot about you out there.
All of these "legends" are bullshit.
They have several stories.
People wonder if you killed someone.
That, and wondering why you were here for so long.
But I will not move. I will remain silent.
You don't hear anything here.
Where we got this noisy neighbor.
Their children always scream because they are only one year old.
Or appear screaming because the child is making a scene.
Then mom screamed...
But it's different shouting...
... because that's when the old man played the song for him...
... and he shook his head against the wall.
He screamed like...
- Then he... - You better stir the soup.
What?
Stir the soup before foam.
Why don't we ever get anything?
Come on. Come on Closer.
Now.
- Did you make someone shout that? - What I have here is adult men...
... pretty enough...
... may deviate from the park.
A Connecticut warbler
Have you ever gone out to do all this?
You should live with soup.
The object of the question is to get information that is important to us...
... and not for others.
You wonder why is your soup not foamy?
Maybe because your mother grew up at home...
... who never thought of removing milk from soup.
Now the question is good.
Unlike, "Have I ever gone outside?"
Those who fail to meet the basic criteria...
... get information that is important to you.
Alright, man.
Guess I don't have soup questions anymore.
No?
Why did you say that about me being black?
It has nothing to do with you being black.
It has something to do with me to find out how much bullshit you face.
You know I'll be back.
Yes, just like I know you will go to this new school.
How do you know that?
Because there are questions in your writing...
... shows what you want to do with your life.
And that is your school question that you can't answer for now.
Let's match. Wallace, you take Hartwell.
What's wrong? I'm Jamal.
Just checking it, okay?
- Check the ball. - Let's go, people.
Come on now.
in Ball.
Come on!
- Danson cover! Get him! - Let's go.
Playing him tough, playing him is difficult.
Here, Johnny, inside!
The way to go. The way to go, gang.
Let's go, D up.
- Let's go, trash. - come on.
- Come on. - Step up. Increase.
up this head.
Let the trash talk back home, okay?
What?
Get the silly look from your face.
- I will make you my child. - Right.
- You will be my child. - come on.
Let's go.
- Come on, man. - What?
- You're too small. - What?
Good grip.
Hartwell, small defenses will be real fun.
The right coach. A small defense. Let's go.
- Try and get over the line. - What?
I said, get over the line.
Is this too much? Pressure.
Too much.
I need help!
Ten seconds. Let's go, another way.
I took your place?
- Take what? - your place.
Take anything. Come on
my court, man. my court.
That's how we play here.
That's right.
Hartwell is just a rich kid...
... who wants as much spotlight because he can get a senior year.
That's all that.
They take real, serious things here.
Well, that's a serious place.
It's quite serious I usually end up here, getting lunch in my books.
What are you working on?
Forrester's book.
I think you read it.
I know, but look at this.
My father has it for me.
This is the initial printing.
Listen, I have to go.
But you only get here.
I know but...
... I forgot something.
I have to check something.
See you later.
"Born 1930.
In Scotland."
"Moving to New York with his family in his late teens.
Mr. Forrester is not available for comment."
Yes, I'm sure of him.
Do we now plan to make this visit a habit?
- You said you knew I would come back. - Yes, but I think you mean it.
I need help with this at school.
Ah, yes, this is at school.
And what are the "things" we are talking about now?
Have you read that?
I tried, man.
I just can't get past the first 10 pages.
As I recall...
... It took me a while to get through the pages myself.
Oh, my goodness, you've trampled on one of them.
Show a little respect to the author, huh?
That's you, isn't it?
You are the author.
I read everything. It's not bad. Especially...
Hey...
... I know what it is
I don't need other people who say what they think.
I won't say that.
What will you say?
I have to tell everything about me?
I told you about me.
You can learn a little about...
... holding back.
If I ask you not to say anything to anyone...
... about here, we...
... is that something I can trust?
Yes.
I promise.
Good.
And if I ask you to continue helping me in writing me?
There will be no questions...
... about me, my family...
... or why there is only one book.
Then I won't ask.
Good.
And good night.
What does it feel like?
What?
Write something like you do.
Maybe you will find out.
Listen, you're 5 feet no.
He might still sleep on a baby's bed.
Kenzo, how old are you again?
Why?
Look at your face! Did your mother do that to you?
He starts young.
Do you know where to start? Eat too much cake.
Teresa told me. He told me.
I like them big. You have a problem
I like them big.
That's big
This is like when I was with your three mothers.
- You're not talking about my mother - Wait, Oscar Mayer is better prepared.
Stop playing. You can beat like Tina at school someday.
I saw the Duke hit you.
Listen, throw at your mama.
Everything is tilted towards your mother.
Your mother. Stop throwing your mom
Why are you laughing?
Yo, man, the glasses are like Coke bottles.
Classic
- Have you ever met someone famous? - How famous?
Like, I don't know...
... someone will know.
No one like that came here, man.
So, are you here forever now?
Yes, I just tried to start.
Well, at least they look good.
Right?
This year's writing competition is now scheduled.
For those who choose to take part, entries must be submitted...
... before spring break
That means you still have a few months of delay.
Feel free to experiment with a more proactive approach. That's...
Mr. Wallace!
Please.
I have a chance this morning...
... to review files sent by your former school.
Test scores, impressive.
Actual class work...
... not so impressive
Is this...
... the level of work that I must anticipate, Mr. Wallace?
Because if it is...
... this will help me determine whether I should treat you as a student...
... or as someone here just to pursue...
How do I put it?
Other efforts?
Of course your work will give you a wide opportunity to respond.
Good afternoon, Mr. Wallace.
Just so you know, you handle the right way.
How about that?
You didn't say anything The people who did it experienced problems.
- John Coleridge - Jamal Wallace.
So how many people say something?
And really live in Crawford class?
Not much.
I miss what you say
I said nothing.
You read all of this
No, I just saved it to impress all of my visitors.
All visitors We talked about your book at school.
People have talked about it for years.
They just haven't said anything yet.
Yes, I think I dropped it.
I think you're writing about how life never worked out.
Oh really? You have to read a book to find out?
Yeah, but Crawford is screwed on it anyway.
The word people have trouble after war is really you.
Some dirt symbolism for the problems you face with everyone.
Robert Crawford?
Yes, I think that's nonsense, though.
I think there really is someone else.
Mr. Johannsen?
Here.
Mr. Massie! another trip to your favorite destination.
I have four bags today. I can leave them.
Oh, no, no.
Come right on.
How do you do, Mr. Johannsen?
At least half an hour before sunset.
Then you can start your panic-driven search back to Manhattan.
This must be your last until next week.
Your email is in...
... this one.
- Mr. Johannsen? - Essentials are in...
Essentials?
I take care of your bill, and I put all the copies in this one.
Telephone companies are wondering if you still want service...
... You don't have a call in six... Okay.
I got your socks for the next few weeks...
... in this one.
And I have the latest check from accounting.
They want to know if you cashed in the last one.
This still appears extraordinary.
It doesn't stand out like it used to.
Sorry, I didn't realize you owned a company.
Oh yeah. We only have discussions...
... the history of German cars.
- Care to join us? - No, I'm behind him.
Of course you are.
See you next week?
Not if I'm lucky.
Why not give the person a break and do your own shopping?
- And why are your socks inside out? - Because socks are poorly designed.
The stitches are inside. Hurt the toes.
In some cultures, it's good luck using something inside.
And do you believe that?
No, but it's like praying.
What do you risk
And I go out.
How do you think the windows were cleaned?
Now, about this...
... your professor
What does it feel to feel like he told you what you can't do?
- Like he knows he's better than me. - Then, let's show what you can do.
Why are the words we write for ourselves...
... is always better than what we write for others? Move.
Sit down.
Continue.
Please and what?
Writing.
What are you doing?
I am writing. Like you will...
... when you start punching the key.
Is there a problem?
No, I just think.
No. Do not think.
It came later.
You wrote your first draft...
... with your heart...
... and you rewrite it with your head.
The first key to writing...
... is writing.
Not to think.
Jesus!
Is there a possibility that you might sit down?
"A Season of Perfection Faith."
- What is this? - Start typing it.
Sometimes simple rhythms type...
... makes us from page one to page two.
And when you start feeling your own words...
... start typing them.
A key blow, for God's sake!
Yes!
You are a man now, dog!
Jamal...
... whatever we write in this apartment...
... live in this apartment.
There are no exceptions.
Okay, let's push it, guys. Come on
- Heads up. - Yo, D!
That's a violation, man.
- I have a place. - You will know when you have a place.
Hey, hey, gentlemen!
- Hey, hey! - Our season starts in one week.
If I see this one more time, you will shoot a violation to see who runs today.
Is that understood? Is that understood?
One.
Two.
Three.
Eleven.
Twelve.
Thirteen.
Twenty-nine.
Forty eight.
49.
Hold.
One more.
That's one of the most impressive things I've ever seen in court.
Why do I know it's not good enough for one of you?
Take a shower and get out of here.
You might think we are the same. Not.
Oh, Mr. Wallace.
Mr. Wallace!
- Professor Crawford. - Your latest paper changes in...
This shows a little improvement from your previous work.
- Thank you. - Yes.
- How long do you need to write it for? - I wrote last night.
Last night!
Well, I have a few things to do here.
Good afternoon, Mr. Wallace.
That's right. Select again.
- "Birds from Feather" for 600. - Answer:
Living in color, the name borrows from Vivien Leigh's character.
- The red tanager. - This, "What is red tanager?"
What is red tanager?
Must know the rules for playing.
It was written by a writer you have never heard of.
"Your task, spring wing fire
Is it but to love and fly and sing. "
He wrote about the song from the tanager.
A song about the new season, new life.
That's James Lowell, man.
I know who "I'll stay with 'Poor Assumptions' for 800, Alex."
Have you ever seen red tanagers around here?
They don't stray far from the park.
So your lecturer is not right really full of praise this afternoon. No, not exactly.
Well, there is something you need to know about Robert Crawford.
He wrote a book a few years after mine.
And all publishers reject that, which is the right decision.
And instead of writing to each other...
... he took a job teaching others how to write.
How do you know all that?
Just keep in mind that teachers are disappointed...
... can be very effective or very dangerous.
Alright, this is the first step tonight, guys.
"Mailor" at three.
One, two, three, Mailor!
Gold.
= Black.
Get here, upright and tall. Not yet.
- What's up, J? - What happened? Are you there tonight?
Twenty-six points.
Eight out of 10 from the floor. Ten out of 10 from the line.
- I have to lose it? - Alright, it's hot.
You put some serious ink on the stat page, man.
What is happening?
Yo, brother will be by Red Rose, man.
I told them we were catching up. Friday night, kids.
Come on. Come on
Hey, Jamal, do you plan to do that every night?
- Working, I think. - I will say it works.
This is Fly.
- Hi, Fly, I'm Claire. - How are you?
- Are you a friend of Jamal? - Claire!
Come on!
I came.
Not holding the bus for too long. Nice to meet you, Fly.
Alright! What do you work there, man?
Shut up, man.
Yo, Red Rose. I will not make it.
I have to go to this guy's house. They do it every year.
Don't go at this.
You're big time. You will go best. I don't want to hold your bus up.
Are you around this weekend?
Where do you think I will be? At the Hamptons?
That's great talking to you. Remember, whatever you need...
... please call me. Well? Any.
OK?
Building a collection of things?
Yes, some.
Do you want to get outside for a while?
Yes. Do you know this place?
I live in this place. Come on
They will be there until midnight, congratulating yourself on your game.
Which means I can cram tomorrow for this test on Monday.
Test what?
This is in the Sherlock Holmes book.
They have us tracking all these valuable things, like:
"Who did Watson introduce to Holmes?"
They give it to you to force you to read everything.
Looks like that might be temporary.
Maybe so.
Become this friend Fly. How long do you know each other?
For a while. He was born there, and I was born there too.
- In the Bronx? - yes.
Must be hard.
What?
I don't know. new person, new school.
This isn't it?
No, what is difficult to grow in another place...
... where the police don't even want to be after dark.
What's difficult is knowing that you are safe there...
... because of the people you need to worry about...
... know you have nothing to give them.
So that's a good thing you're here.
Yeah, but these people don't think I have anything to give them well.
Don't leave me by you. After I get by you, I will score.
- OK. - You are ready?
- Ready. - Stay ahead of me now.
- OK? - Well.
I got by you, man.
You're bigger than me.
You still have to play defense.
How do I do that?
How do you play...? I will show one here.
Spinning.
Feel that?
I feel it.
I know where you will go because I can feel where you are going to move.
Alright, now try and move left.
I'm still here. You can't get around me because I feel you are moving left.
Try and go right.
Look, I'm still here.
I feel when you try and go right. So you can't go there no.
Now try and get by me.
Hold.
You have to dribble first.
Dribbling.
Dribbling. Well. Like this?
Yes.
- Sorry. - Claire.
Daddy.
Some of our guests left.
I'll see you on Monday, okay?
Oh, Claire.
Yes?
That's Stamford.
Excuse me?
At the bar in London.
It was he who introduced Watson to Holmes.
Maybe it saves time after everyone finishes there.
Do you know how long I worked?
"One season of perfection of this faith"?
Feel like I work there for two or three seasons.
Oh, you are in a place where you can't even hear me.
Like I can ask why you never moved from here...
... and you won't even get angry... - Verse three starts...
... with the relationship, "and."
Never start a sentence with conjunction.
- Of course you can. - Oh no.
This is a strict rule.
No, no, no, look...
... that is a strict rule.
If you use conjunctions at the beginning of the sentence...
... it can make it stand out a bit.
And that might be what the author wants.
And what's the risk?
Now, the risk is to do too much.
This is a distraction. This can provide a run-on feeling piece.
But for the most part, the rules about "and" or "but"...
... in the beginning it was still quite shaky.
Although it is taught in many schools by many teachers.
Some of the best writers ignore the rules for years...
... including you.
Well, you have taken...
... something I...
... and make it yours.
That's quite an achievement.
Thank you.
The title is still mine, right?
I guess.
Now, that is a changing environment. Not me.
I don't see any changes.
Do you "see nothing"?
What kind of sentence is in hell? Hah?
When you're here, don't talk like you do out there.
I play with you, man. That is a joke.
I want to hear about the environment...
... back when people are still reading your book.
What did you say?
None.
You say, "back when people are still reading my book."
Are you not?
We have 24 copies.
But I'm sorry. They were examined.
Oh. Well, thank you, anyway.
You're welcome.
Luck?
Do you get on the waiting list?
Yes, man, your book has been checked.
And yes...
... I pay for dinner.
The price is $ 13, so I guess you made your point.
I called to see what kind of food you wanted, but it continued to ring.
I took the bell out 20 years ago.
Let me ask you something.
How can a man like you...
... waste time reading The National Enquirer?
Is something wrong?
I mean, it's rubbish, man.
You have to read the Times or something.
I read the Times for dinner.
But this...
This is my dessert.
They got a contest at school. write this thing.
- Have you ever entered one of them? - Writing a contest?
- Yes. - once.
Once upon a time.
Do you win?
Well, of course I won...
Like money or something?
Pulitzer.
Oh.
Students must read in front of everyone.
What should you do with writing?
The author writes so that readers can read.
Let others read it.
Have you read your own book?
In public? Not.
Almost don't read it personally.
Do you know the things you do, bullshit coffee shop reading?
Do you know why they did it?
Selling books, I guess.
Because they want to make love.
Very? Will women sleep with you if you write a book?
Women will sleep with you if you write a bad book.
- Did it ever happen to you? - sure.
Have you ever been married?
Not exactly the soup question, right?
No, I never did it.
I learned a number of things along the way...
... who might be able to help with this young woman you always talk about.
Like what?
The key to a woman's heart...
... is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time.
Do you give me advice to women?
unexpected gift, unexpected time?
This is very unexpected!
Oh, Jamal.
This is not the first print or anything, but...
God.
- What happened? - This is a signed copy.
I can't accept it. That must be expensive.
It doesn't cost a lot. Very.
Maybe the bookstore missed it.
Book stores don't usually miss this.
How do you end up going to Mailor?
Initially all school boys are mailor.
So my father does what people in his position will do.
He gets on board and changes the rules.
And every child knows that.
They will do it anyway.
It doesn't change anything.
I'm still "Dr. Spence's son."
Jamal.
Yes?
That night at my house, after the match...
... when you show me how to play basketball.
Is that all you showed me?
Listen, I don't think it will work.
What?
That.
Why not?
Ask your father.
Jamal, I'm not asking for some type of prenuptial agreement here.
This is just a question.
Why does everything have to be so black and white with you?
I forgot what the question was...
You don't forget anything, Mr. Stamford.
You don't think he wrote it?
That's a serious accusation, Robert.
You come to the board with something like this...
I realize how serious this is.
This is an amazing job...
Do you recognize all that?
This hit something.
But I don't know.
The child is not good in my class.
He has a good score coming.
Maybe all he needs is direction.
Carl, he's a basketball player...
... from the Bronx.
Who happened to have won 17 straight...
... for schools that like to win.
Robert, do you think he might be good?
This is not good.
Do you know what the absolute best time is?
Precisely when you finish your first draft...
... and you read it yourself.
Before this bastard took something...
... that they cannot do in a lifetime...
... and knock it down in one day.
The person who likes the book, human.
I don't write for them.
And when the critics started all this nonsense...
... about what I really tried to say...
Well, I decided then...
... one book is enough.
William, who was 50 years ago, man.
William.
William, I really spent the ticket money. Come on
Is it still lit outside?
It's night, man.
OK?
You look good, man. This is not the latest thing out...
I don't ask how I see. I ask, are we ready to go?
Oh yeah. Come on. '
Let's go.
Come on.
We played here in two weeks.
I said we played in two weeks. country tournament.
Come on.
Hold. They have a program. Let me get a program.
William.
Yo, William!
Cursing.
William! R
Hey, William! H
William.
Come on, let's get you out of here.
I got you.
You used to come out, right?
Yes, a long time.
- What happened? - What do I need to know?
I don't track time.
Sorry for losing you back there.
No apologies needed.
Good, because I have one more place. It was calm and it was on the way home.
You only have 10 minutes.
- Alright. - Keep it happening.
- Take it. All good. - Thank you very much.
Ground floor.
The house that Ruth built.
Why did you bring me here?
Because it's your birthday, man.
I looked for it on the almanac.
They don't even have you in the dead.
I imagine with all the games you watch...
... With whoever you pay attention to, you will never reach this close.
- What did they do? - What are you worried about, man?
You act like they will play the World Series championship game.
Relax.
My sister and I, we are here for every match.
Until he left for war.
I think it will be the same when he returns...
... but he talks a little less...
... and drink a little more.
I promised my mother that I would help her through everything.
So I caught up with him tonight...
... and I have half a dozen drinks in the back.
So we have a few more.
And after a while he said that he wanted to...
... to take me back to the apartment.
I said, "No thanks."
We all still live there later.
I just stand there...
... and watching him drive away.
Make it through this damn war...
... and I let him drive.
That night...
... nurses are typing whatever they type...
... and you know what he told me?
I have a lot of my books I mean My sister is getting cold next to...
... and all he can talk about is a book.
Good...
... everything has changed since then.
In five months, I buried him, my mother, my father.
All of them are here...
... in the Bronx.
We have spent our summer here.
And if we're lucky, fall.
Many fall with teams.
Yeah, well...
... not enough.
"The rest of those who have left before us...
... cannot calm the riots from them...
... follow."
You wrote it in your book.
Jamal, I realized that I gave you enough time...
... You will find a way to amaze me.
Does he know?
No, he doesn't know.
This is one of the best nights I've experienced in a while.
All of that?
Yes, all of that. '
Well, I...
This man, man
How do you say that you know this person again?
- She's my teacher - Oh huh?
It looks like a different type of dude.r
Anyone?
Sometimes I come here tomorrow morning.
Only me, who aspires...
... and everything.
I got a message saying that I have to come and see you...
Mr. Wallace...
... I think it's time for you and I am very honest...
... and very open discussion about your writing.
I think you like it.
Your last job I like it very much.
No, Mr. Wallace, questions about your latest work...
... isn't that good
This is too good.
Speed in your progress...
... from your old school to this one is unusual.
To the extent that I have to draw one of two conclusions.
Whether you have been blessed with a rare gift that has suddenly been kicked...
... or...
... You get inspiration from other places.
Given your previous education and background...
... I'm sure you will forgive me for reaching my own conclusions.
I wrote the letters, friend.
Then you won't mind to show me
The next assignment is scheduled for two weeks.
I will schedule some time for you to come to my office.
I want you to write it there.
Meanwhile, if there is something you want to talk about...
I don't write anything, man.
What proves what?
If the child is two commas writing a newspaper, will he use this "background"?
- Two child commas? - One million dollars.
- One comma, two commas. - Not.
No, I don't.
Do you know what people fear most?
- What? - What they don't understand If we don't understand, we turn to our assumptions.
Crawford can't understand...
... how can a black child from the Bronx write like you do.
So he thinks you can't.
Just like I thought he was a jerk.
Do you know him?
Crawford?
No.
But he thinks he knows me.
So, what is all this about the book?
Many authors know the rules about writing...
... but don't know how to write it. - So?
So Crawford wrote a book about four writers who knew.
And I'm the only one who is still alive.
- And? - He convinced the publisher to buy it.
So I wrote a polite polite telephone...
... to this publisher, say him and others...
... as I am in the process of writing the second book.
And if they want to bid it...
Oh, so that's why Crawford's book went.
But you know there won't be a second book.
Yeah, but they don't.
Interesting what happens when resources are not close.
Rich traditions hand over competition entries...
... the last day continues...
... for more years.
Women and men...
... maybe I have your attention...
... please, if you don't mind.
"Ere sin can blight or sadness fade
Death comes carefully friendly
Opening bud to convey'd heaven..."
You are good to join us.
That is not part of the poem.
"And say it blooms there." Anyone?
Morning reluctance is a little earlier than usual.
Mr. Coleridge.
Please.
Mr. Coleridge...
... how many students will you say we have here today?
I'm not sure.
Maybe you can humor us by guessing.
- Thirty? - Thirty.
And that 30, no one knows the author of that part.
I found that extraordinary. Don't you, Mr. Coleridge?
Maybe we should go back to this.
In seeing this, what, if any, conclusions might we be able to draw?
Do you mean about the author?
About anything.
Is one of the words attacking you as unusual?
Feel free to see this as the right time for a response.
"Before."
"Before." And why is that unusual?
Because...
... that sounds old.
It sounds old, doesn't it?
And you know why it sounds old, Mr. Coleridge?
Because it's old. More than 200 years.
Written before your father was born, before your father's father was born.
But it still doesn't forgive facts...
... that you don't know who wrote it, now, Mr. Coleridge?
Sorry, sir, I'm not...
You, everyone in this room, must know who wrote the part.
And do you know why, Mr. Coleridge?
I repeat, do you know why?
Just say your name, man.
Do you have something to contribute, Mr. Wallace?
I just said that he had to say his name.
And why will it help Mr. Coleridge to say his name?
Because that's what wrote it.
Very good, Mr. Wallace.
Maybe your ability...
... do extend a little further than basketball.
If we can move to the page... you might sit down, Mr. Coleridge.
Continue to page 120 in the little blue book that...
Furthermore.
I'm sorry?
Don't
You say that my expertise extends "even further" than a basketball court.
"Further" is related to distance. "Next" is the definition of degree.
- You should say "further." - Are you challenging me, Mr. Wallace?
No more than you challenge Coleridge.
Maybe the challenge should be directed elsewhere.
"This is a melancholic truth even..."
"... great people have bad relationships."
Devil.
"You will hear the beat..."
Kipling.
- "All the great truths began..." - Shaw.
- "Man is the only animal..." - "... blushing...
"... or need. "
It's Mark Twain. Come on, Professor Crawford...
Get out!
exit.
Yes. I'm going out.
- Leave it. - Please wait a minute.
So they kick you out if you know something here?
you do not know what to do Crawford.
you are right about that.
Jamal!
- what do you think you should apologize? - No.
- do you? - No.
you are not wrong at just him at his own game.
But...
... This is a good time to be careful.
Careful? What are you careful about?
You have a gift that allows you to do amazing things with your life.
Meaning, if you don't mess it up...
... with being 16 years now.
- Jamal - Yeah.
- You got a call from the office. - OK.
Mr. Wallace. Please.
As you know, Professor Matthews is on the faculty board.
And Dr. Spence is the chairman of the supervisory board.
We have reviewed submissions for writing competitions.
We hope you can explain a few things about your surrender.
"Season of Perfection of Faith."
Your part is right
Yes, there it is
Mr. Wallace, it's a standard policy with us to ask students...
... if they want to credit any material source...
... or acknowledge other authors when submitting assignments.
Do you want to do that?
1960.
An essay titled "Baseball's Best Year"...
Published in The New Yorker and written by...
... one William Forrester.
Your version is actually quite original...
... but there are first titles and paragraphs to consider.
No?
Jamal, do you happen...
... William Forrester's permission, or...
Are there other explanations?
No.
That's my paper.
Well, then, your entry is now withdrawn...
... and it becomes a problem for the council to consider.
The board does not have the authority to place you on academic probation...
... which will, among other things, prevent you from playing basketball.
Because the board doesn't meet until next week...
... You can play in the state championship this weekend.
But I have to warn you, the council has a history of taking these things...
... quite serious.
So we want to suggest what we feel...
... is a solution that can meet this concern.
Robert.
The most important thing is to ensure that the type of violation does not repeat itself.
I see...
... You will write an apology to your students taking advantage of...
... by sending this piece.
- You will read it in front of my class. - I don't read anything.
So I'm sure the board will consider it when reviewing your scholarship.
You haven't left us with too many choices, Jamal.
Excuse me.
Never embarrass me in front of my class.
Please return the pen after it's finished.
There are no conventional greetings today?
Why am I rewriting something that you have published?
- Be careful where you take this. - Why not tell me some magazines run it?
Why is that important?
Man, you should have told me.
What did you do with it?
I turned it on.
I turn it over. I have to show them something.
You promised me whatever we wrote here would stay here.
I know!
- I just thought... - Shut up.
What did they say?
I went through a trial period unless I wrote a letter saying that I was wrong.
Then write the letter.
I said I didn't write anything You have, he made you. Writing a letter.
And you will let him do that?
Is this supposed to be another damn lesson?
I'm tired of all these lessons every time I come here.
So it's the title on the top of my paper.
- What is the lesson? - I'm not the one who changed it.
Yeah, but you are the one who just has to say:
"So this one is here because it can be printed in The New Yorker."
That's all you say, man.
- I can use some of this help. - Oh no. That is not an option.
- You don't even have to go... - I say that is not an option.
That's all true, man.
Having a good history from people doesn't help me.
Oh, Christ. Not that you feel sorry for yourself, father bullshit.
What did you say?
Man, fuck you, William! Y
Real nonsense I took this one...
... because you won't walk out the door...
... and do something for others. You're too damn scared, man!
That's the only very reason.
You don't know damn things about reasons.
There is no reason!
The reason why some of us live and why some of us don't.
Fortunately, you have decades to find out.
What is the reason for having a closet full of writing no one has ever read?
What is that, man?
I'm done with this nonsense.
Give him another ball.
Oh look. Jamal Wallace, here to visit us.
What's wrong?
- What's wrong? - what, you guys?
Come on.
I know I know. I have seen it.
How did your first match in the Park feel?
A little closer than I thought.
That's why I think it might be a good time for us to talk.
I know that class handling is difficult with the time you spend in the field.
I can't handle that load. Not at this school.
And maybe it's not fair for us to ask you to do it.
I speak with board members and for Crawford...
... and...
... we don't want to pursue this more than you do. All of it.
I'm here to present you with an offer. We forget about everything.
Next year, your academic schedule will be less demanding.
Do you mean Crawford wants that?
Crawford wants the best for you and for school.
So what should I do?
You hold a championship trophy at the end of this tournament.
You make that happen, I will make the rest happen.
OK?
Now go finish what you did here.
Let's go, Pilgrims! Let's go, Pilgrims!
Okay, let's go! Throw it at Jamal!
Damn man. Come on, man!
Defense! Defense!
Jamal, get the ball!
Good graduation, man. Good pass. Go up there.
Take it! H
foul offensive! That's the way! E
Ten, gold. Attack! like that.
Okay, you have them now. Let's go.
Time is up! Time has run out!
This is still our game.
We make a stop here, they have to put us on the phone.
When that happens, it's all over. Don't lose your calm out there.
If they score, we don't call time-out.
The ball goes to Hartwell or Wallace.
OK? Hartwell or Wallace. Let's go, people.
Leave!
How score?
This doesn't look good, Ma. It does not look good.
Rotten, 22 blue! Two shots.
This rotten blue team, 22. Hit, two. Go lined up, guys.
Two shots.
Come on. We're gonna make this.
I can't see.
This will be fine, Ma.
Do it.
Cursing.
One shot.
That's his game.
Thank God!
He must have entered after we left.
Let him sleep.
- I will turn off the room. - Turn it off and continue.
You start cleaning your room, Jamal.
He looks very happy with himself, the coyote. Listen, index down...
Jamal, he wrote it for you.
When?
After the game.
He will go back to school this morning.
Very funny.
They always let you get but so far....
... before they took everything from you God, he's a good boy, man. Then he returned to this nonsense.
Is the chair open?
I think so.
This is not exactly where I thought I would find you.
This is still my school.
They want me out, they have to do it themselves.
They will.
Whatever.
"Winter and cold darkness but a moment early...
... for a new spring day. And while the grip seems endless...
... our perseverance proves the same. We renew ourselves once again...
... looking for bright moments that will serve...
That will therefore serve...
Therefore it functions as the basis of our future. "
Thank you.
Professor Crawford...
... maybe I read a few words?
What is he doing here?
Yes, of course...
... by all means.
Thank you, professor.
My name is...
... William Forrester.
Excuse me.
I'm the one.
"Family Loss."
"Loss of family...
... requires us to find our family.
Not always a family with our blood...
... but a family that can become our blood.
And must we have the wisdom to open our door to this new family...
... we will find that desire that we have for the father...
... who has guided us...
... for brothers, who have inspired us...
- the only thing left to say is:
"I hope I've seen this, or I hope I can do it, or I hope..." '
Most of you are too young...
... to find out what you want later
But when I read these words...
... words of hope and dreams...
... I realized that one wish...
... given to me very late in life...
... is giving frien...
Friendship
Mr. Forrester, I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone here...
... in thanking you for this unexpected visit.
The quality of your words...
... is something we must all achieve.
Mr. Forrester?
Mr. Forrester, may I ask...
... why do we owe this honor?
Professor Crawford...
... I speak here today...
... because my friend is not allowed.
A friend who has integrity to protect me...
... when I don't want to protect it
His name is Jamal Wallace.
Jamal Wallace is your friend?
Yes. Yes, that is so.
I helped him find his own words...
... by starting with some of my mines.
And instead, he promised...
... never said anything to me about me.
A promise he kept.
Mr. Forrester...
... while your visit seems sincere...
... I'm sure you will appreciate...
... that it will not change or interfere...
... with this institution reaching a fair and appropriate decision in his case.
There is one more problem here.
The words I read today...
... I didn't write it
Jamal Wallace did it.
Shut up.
Shut up! Please calm!
Be quiet Please be calm.
It has no bearing...
... decisions about...
As the director of this competition, I have the final word on this matter.
Robert, sit down.
I have been a teacher for more than 30 years.
It's long enough to know that integrity is important for something.
I will say that Mr. Forrester...
... has been cleaned up this is very good for all of us.
And as chairman of the faculty board...
... I have the last word in that matter.
Mr. Wallace, you were released from the council meeting next week.
Mr. Forrester...
... you must have an interest in a teaching position...
No.
Jamal, are these your words?
Sixteen.
Amazing.
It's done well.
I think you will make your own decision from here.
I thought you'd say something more like, "I can always."
There are no more lessons.
But I have a question, though.
They're two foul shots at the end of the game...
... do you miss them?
Or do you miss them?
Not exactly the soup question, right?
Let's go.
Do you think our vaudeville action today will be the National Enquirer?
Yes, of course.
Whatever happens...
... I'm off.
What words will you and your friends use for that?
Leave?
God.
Where do you go to?
I have a homeland I haven't seen for too long.
You mean Ireland.
Scotland, for God's sake.
I play with you, man.
Be sure to write.
- Hey, Jamal. - What is wrong?
What's the matter, John?
Did you hear from William?
Yes, but I don't know what he did.
He keeps sending letters checking the college recruiters.
I'm just downstairs. Looks like you have one more.
Words?
I'll see you around.
Jamal?
Steve Sanderson?
- How are you? - Well.
Thank you for coming at such a short notice.
No problem. So, what school are you from?
Oh no. I am a lawyer in this city.
- I work with Roberts and Carter. - Oh, lawyer.
Yeah, but congratulations on that. It was great.
That's really, really... great.
We have a lot of people in the office following you.
But we are legal representation for William Forrester.
How is he?
Here...
... sit down.
We have received word that William...
... died.
I'm sorry.
He wants you to have...
... this is immediately.
What happened?
William has cancer.
They found it a few years ago.
Jamal, this is crazy.
God.
Wow!
- Look at all of these books. - Don't touch anything.
Dear Jamal:
Someone I know writes that we walk away from our dreams...
... fear we might fail, or worse, fear we might succeed.
While I know very early on you will realize your dreams...
... I never imagined I would come back again myself.
Changes in seasons, young people.
And while I wait until winter my life...
... to see things that I saw this last year...
... there's no doubt I'll wait too long...
... it's never for you.
Will you be here for a while, man?
Just can't watch the eyes right now.
You will be fine, man. Come on
Come on.
Wake up.
Do you lose the lay-up now?
What happened to you, boy?
Where is the first step to go, man?